Community Rallies Behind Small Business Rebuild
A devastating fire in the Bronx has sparked a determined small business rebuild effort. The flames tore through six businesses on Burnside Avenue, leaving a once-thriving block in ashes. For the residents and shop owners, the damage was more than structural—it tore at the heart of the community.
Owner Faces Loss but Refuses to Quit
Jessica Betancourt, owner of Bronx Optical Center, knows how to bounce back. When her shop was damaged in 2020 during protests over George Floyd’s death, she reopened in just three weeks. However, this time, the road to recovery will be harder.
“This is much worse,” Betancourt said. “In 2020, we could rebuild quickly. But now, everything is gone.”
Fortunately, she operates a second location in Kingsbridge. That store is now a lifeline for her staff and loyal patients.
A Beloved Restaurant Goes Dark
The fire destroyed Casa Mofongo, a popular Dominican restaurant with 32 employees.
“They lost everything,” said Betancourt. “Unlike me, they don’t have another place to go.”
The sudden closure left dozens of workers without jobs and the neighborhood without one of its most cherished food spots.
Emergency Response and Firefighting Challenges
Betancourt received a call at 8:15 a.m. She rushed from Fort Lee, New Jersey, making it to the scene in just 12 minutes.
“When I got there, I saw smoke everywhere,” she recalled. “The firefighters, the MTA, and local leaders were all working together. It was amazing, but it was too late.”
A selfish driver blocked a hydrant, which delayed the firefighters. Meanwhile, the building’s ceilings began to collapse, forcing crews to battle the fire from outside.
Emotional Toll and the Urgency of Small Business Rebuild
Although Betancourt’s other location remains open, the emotional weight is heavy.
“This place was more than a store,” she said. “It was my daily routine. My patients. My community. It’s all part of who I am.”
She added, “I used to grab my coffee next door every morning. Now, the deli is gone too.”
Rebuilding Burnside’s Small Business Core
Sandra Betterson, 64, has lived in the neighborhood since she was 9. She’s part of a local group working to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) for Burnside and surrounding streets.
“We were just finalizing our budget,” Betterson explained. “We had goals, plans, everything. Now we have to go back to the drawing board.”
Still, she believes the fire could bring renewed focus to the effort. “Maybe this is the push we need to get the community more involved,” she said.
Small Business Rebuild Plans by Local BID Group
Another affected business is Total Wireless on Jerome Avenue. Owner Rene Tapia was on his way from New Jersey when he got a call from a customer.
“They told me, ‘Your store’s on fire,’” Tapia said. “I was stuck on the George Washington Bridge. It was the worst feeling.”
Tapia will now direct customers to his other Bronx location. “We’re not giving up,” he affirmed. “We’ll keep serving our community.”
Total Wireless Shifts Strategy After the Fire
Local Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia is working to create a relief fund for impacted businesses.
“We’re trying to bridge the gap while insurance claims process,” she said. “Their staff need paychecks, and these businesses need hope.”
Tapia added, “This is going to take years, not months. But the small business rebuild will happen. We’ll rebuild stronger.”
Financial Support for Small Business Rebuild Efforts
Even though insurance can help cover physical damage, it doesn’t replace the emotional cost. Many owners feel like they are starting from zero.
“We lost more than merchandise,” said Tapia. “We lost our identity as part of this block.”
Jessica Betancourt echoed that feeling. “I know I can operate in Kingsbridge, but this block was home,” she said. “I want to be part of the small business rebuild, not just for myself but for the people I serve.”
Insurance Isn’t Enough in the Small Business Rebuild Journey
Despite the destruction, there’s a sense of unity in the aftermath. Neighbors have shown support. Local leaders are stepping in. Customers continue to reach out with kind words.
“We’ve been through challenges before,” Betancourt said. “The small business rebuild won’t be easy, but it’s possible.”
As shops plan temporary relocations and leaders work on long-term solutions, the community is stepping up. They’re proving that resilience runs deep in the Bronx.
Courtesy of New York Daily News.
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